Richmond Online - Local News

The different fashions for hats and headdresses in the Georgian period will be explored at a free talk to be held at The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond on Wednesday 5 October at 7.30pm.

Professional ladies and theatrical milliner Claire Spooner will be the guest speaker at the event which will not only look at some of the fabulous styles from the era but also throw light on how they were made.

“The Georgian era with its sub-period of Regency is known for its elaborate hairstyles and headwear,” said Claire Spooner who has been creating hats from her design studio ‘Quaintrelle’ in Pateley Bridge since 2010. “Thanks to our love of period drama they are instantly recognisable from the caps, turbans and bonnets immortalised by Jane Austen heroines to the broad-brimmed hats that perch above those extraordinary wigs featured in films like The Duchess.”

“The variety of women’s headgear during the period of 1714 and 1837 is hugely interesting but how these creations are constructed is equally fascinating. During the evening I will be exposing some millinery secrets and revealing tips to re-creating some of the styles!” She added.

The event is part of a wider project to research and create costumes for the Theatre’s new heritage attraction ‘The Georgian Theatre Experience’. A group of volunteers meet at the Theatre on a regular basis to make garments and accessories that are displayed in the museum area, worn by the tour guides and used for children’s dressing-up activities.

Already the group have created bonnets, pockets, men’s tri-corn hats and breeches that have been put to good use during the first few weeks of the attraction’s opening this summer.

The free talk is open to members of the public and will be held in The Theatre’s new Paul Iles Learning Centre on Friars Wynd. The event is free of charge but anyone wishing to attend should contact Susie Wood at The Georgian Theatre Royal on 01748 823710 or email: susie.wood@georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Theatre’s costume group and how they can become involved can also contact Susie.